Leave L1 cord plugged to 10guage extension buried in the snow?

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tashaneice

New member
Joined
Oct 28, 2019
Messages
3
Can l Leave my leaf charging overnight plugged into an outdoor extension cord, in the snow? The connection between the L1 cord and the 10 guage extension cord being snowed on, while charging?
 
There are two issues, but neither is really with the main body of the extension cord being buried. First, it is generally not recommended that an extension cord be used. However, many of us do so without issues. You have to have a really, really good, heavy gauge (10 is fine) extension cord, and it must be plugged into a like-new outlet.

Second, the connection between the cord and the EVSE must be watertight, or above the snow and sheltered with a cover. Don't just bury the connection in snow.

I'm assuming that the buried part of the cord is not in a trafficked area. If it is, then don't do it.
 
Put a water proof plug and receptacle set on your extension cord and evse.
They are drip rated.
This is the receptacle, there is a matching plug.

recpticle.jpg
 
The would probably work, but just to be clear you'd have to cut the OEM plug (with its overheat sensor) off of the EVSE, and install that water-resistant plug. The EVSE plug wouldn't fit inside the socket.
 
I would suggest protecting the connection from the weather.

I'm not sure what type of EVSE you are using, so I don't know what your L1 plug looks like. However, if your L1 plug is similar to a standard sized one, then you may be able to use one of those outdoor extension cord protection boxes. The plugs get connected inside the weatherproof box, then the box is closed to protect the connection. The boxes come in different sizes.

Here is an example of a box:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XQBX48T
 
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